In this recording, Helen speaks to Anna Volkmer about her diagnosis of mixed primary progressive aphasia.

Please note: the recording below includes the discussion of sensitive topics and may be distressing. Please email contact@raredementiasupport.org if you would like to talk to somebody about any of the issues raised.

More about Helen and Anna

Helen: Helen was diagnosed with mixed PPA in 2018. She continues to work as an award-winning music teacher and says she feels lucky that music plays such a central role in her life. She has kindly shared some excerpts of her playing, which are featured in the recording below. The music at the beginning is from ‘The Sound of Music’, played by Helen on the piano. The music at the end is ‘Scotland the Brave’, played by Helen on the accordion.  

Anna: Anna is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist with over a decade of experience in working with people with PPA. She continues to see people clinically, and also conducts research into speech and language therapy, having completed her PhD on PPA at University College London.